Lot 1089
1863 Indian Head Cent. PCGS graded Proof 66. A stunning deep mirror cameo gem! A touch of golden toning is visible on the obverse. This is an outstanding opportunity to acquire a high end example of a copper nickel Indian Cent. Only 6 example are currently graded by PCGS with one better.
Nearly the entire issue of 460 pieces was struck from a single set of dies. Later in the year a new set of regular proof dies were made to strike the bronze pattern issue, J-299 to test the feasibility of changing the composition of the cent from copper-nickel to bronze. About 100 bronze 1863 cents were struck with some examples sent to Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Chase on December 8th, 1863. This coin is struck with these same dies after this pattern press run. This coin is of course not a pattern, as it is struck on a copper-nickel planchet. It is interesting that it can be linked to the pattern issue. This is the only copper-nickel example from these dies that has been identified.
The die diagnostics for nearly all proofs of 1863 (PR-1) is unpolished centers in the final A in AMERICA. This example and the J-299 proofs show the center of the final A in AMERICA polished, with the lower loops of the 8 & 6 unpolished (PR-2).
Estimated Value $3,000 - 5,000.
Includes Eagle Eye Photo Seal.
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| Realized $5,060 |
